Tinnitus is a complex condition and if hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound) is present it is even more. Many newbies have difficulty coping with tinnitus and understandably, getting rid of this constant intruder, that has suddenly invaded their life becomes paramount on their mind.
In an attempt to do this, they will usually try every means possible to distract themselves from the tinnitus which will include masking it completely with another sound so that it can’t be heard. However, tinnitus is quite resilient, any attempts to mask it completely are usually unsuccessful.
As soon as the masking sound is removed or stopped temporarily, the brain will immediately focus back on it and often, it appears to be louder and more intrusive. This causes stress especially for someone new to tinnitus. For anyone that doesn’t know, the more stressed we are the tinnitus becomes more intrusive, and the louder the tinnitus is the more stressed we are. It can become a vicious circle.
Anyone that is seasoned to tinnitus and has habituated, knows that trying to mask it completely so that it can’t be heard is not achievable. A much better way and preferred method that Hearing Therapists advise tinnitus patients, is to use sound enrichment. One can use music or nature sounds from a sound machine and set the volume slightly below the tinnitus.
By doing this, the brain over time will learn to no longer see the tinnitus as a threat and gradually push the noise further into the background giving it less importance, which is called habituation.
Well said Michael, i agree with everthing you said especially the point about the brain no longer seeing Tinnitus as a threat when you have habituated. I would like to just say that with me the word acceptance comes to mind in as much that when i fully accepted my Tinnitus and all its implications then and only then did i begin to habituate, but thats just me.
Sincere regards, Pete
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It is good that you have habituated to your tinnitus Pete and I hope that you continue to do well. Tinnitus is a complex condition because it comes in many different forms and intensities and no two people experience it the same.
Pete, I think what you said about Acceptance applies to everyone. Without it you will be constantly battling it and focusing on it to see if there is any change. Once you have accepted it you can learn to ignore it and focus on other things.
I think the word acceptance can be seen as a negative word. Like giving up. It actually takes a lot of strength to focus away from T, not to be tempted to listen for it and to stop letting your emotions run riot. However with lots of practice the brain does adapt and starts to ignore it.
Like any vicious circle, we have to do something different to break it. Those of us with obsessive tendencies seem to struggle more.
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I agree with you about how to not focus on your tinnitus when it's going I know you can try to do things to take your mind off it but I struggle when my tinnitus is going.
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Yes, that is the hard bit. It helps if there are other things which you enjoy doing which you can lose yourself in.
I found the following worked for me. TV, computer games, music (not too loud), walking, speaking to freinds and family, going for cruise on my boat, driving, playing guitar, going on forums(!), going to social events.
When I retired I worried about filling my time, now we don't have enough time...lol.
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I like your style and the way that you have found to manage your tinnitus and I think it's great! If only it could be bottled I'm sure you'd make a fortune. Congratulations and well done.
Take care and all the best
Michael
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I didn't get here without talking some very difficult decisions and facing up to my demons. I really do believe there is a 'flow' for everyone, it's just with this marketing capitalist obsessed world, it's difficult to find it.
Also, the quicker we learn to start appreciating the good bits we have left, the more we can enjoy old age. Lets face it, our bodies don't last forever! (well except for Cliff Richard).
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I like watching selective tv reading a good book word games I enjoy walking and shopping occasionally listening to music not too loud and a good movie.
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Hi David. Tinnitus isn't easy to manage at times but you seem to have found a way through it with all those activities to keep you occupied...
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Thanks Michael I try to keep upbeat and I know good days will come.
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That is the spirit David, we have to try and keep the positive vibe going....
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